if landlord converts basement into apartment

[persephone]

I recently viewed an apartment that is in the basement, directly across from the super's or landlord's digs. Pipes run through the apartment, exposed, right below the ceiling. I"m wondering if there is an emergency, these pipes burst or if there's a flood, there will be traffic in my house if not ruined furniture/sleep/privacy at any hour of the day or night. Can landlords make apartments in basements with exposed pipes like that and what liability does the LL have? Also, can they charge a regular market rent for the place?

[lofter1]

You can check the Certificate of Occupancy ("C of O") at the DOB website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/home/home.shtml

On that page on the far right is the link to the "Building Information System".

Enter the Borough and Address. This will take you to the main DOB page for the building.

On that page on the right click "View Certificates of Occupancy". This will take you to the listing of "C of O"s. Click on the bottom-most C of O listed (this should be the most recent).

The C of O will show the occupancy / use for each floor of the building.

You should be able to see if there are residential units listed for the basement.

If not, then chances are that the apartment you are talking about is not legal, and therefore could well be unsafe for habitation.

[Concourse]

Yes--good links. If indeed the C of O does not allow the apartment in the basement, as is probable, then this greedy thief of a landlord is breaking the law and putting a future tenant in danger. You should dial 311 and report this death trap.

<small>[ October 09, 2005, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: Concourse ]</small>